For the Love of Zion Gibbs - Family Support for Tragic Loss

** THIS IS THE ONLY GOFUNDME AUTHORIZED BY ZION MOTHER, MYRA GIBBS**

Hi Everyone. My name is Treka Beasley, the aunt of 7 year old Zion Gibbs who lost his life due to a senseless, evil act of gun violence, leaving our family heartbroken, devastated, and in a state of grief. On behalf of Zion and my sister, Myra Gibbs, I am creating this GoFundMe page to assist her with funeral expenses and other financial obligations as a result of this tragic event during this difficult time.

On June 7th, shortly after midnight, my sister house in Fayetteville, NC, was gunned down during a drive-by shooting. Multiple rounds were released, some entering the house. As Zion loves to do, he was in the living room on the couch playing his video game enjoying the start of his summer break. One of the rounds that entered the house struck Zion directly under his left eye penetrating through to the back of his brain. Immediate care and attention was given to Zion. Zion was in critical condition receiving care at UNC Children's Hospital. After days of being on life support and receiving multiple tests, Zion was deemed to be brain dead. As difficult as it was for my sister to let go and release him back to God, she knew that although he was no longer here in the flesh, he will always be with her in spirit as her guardian angel watching over her just as he always did. We now hold this special day, June 10th, 2024, dear to our heart as Zion transitioned to the spirit realm with God. If you are interested in the news report of this story, I have attached it at the bottom.

If you ever met Zion or knew him, you knew that Zion truly embodied the meaning of his name. Just like the biblical reference to Zion as a place of peace, strength, and spiritual significance, Zion exuded these qualities in everything he did whether it was through his nightly checks on his mom filled with hugs and kisses or his random moments of singing an inspirational song when someone needed it. Zion's name was not just a label, but a reflection of his essence and character. Zion was god fearing and there was not doubt about it the love he had for God.

Beyond embodying his name, Zion was a kind-hearted, loving, bright, and funny young man. He loved his family beyond words. It was never a dull moment coming together as a family when Zion was in the room. His vibrant, energetic, and sporadic dance moves would start the festivities and all the other kids would follow along. He had a love for different genres of music, especially gospel and R&B. One of his favorite songs that he would sing to the top of his lungs, not missing a beat, was "Lift Me Up" by Rihanna. During this trying time, that song resonates deeply with the emotions my sister and our family are feeling. In the midst of mourning and sorrow, this song offers a sense of solace and comfort, reminding my sister that she is not alone in her pain. The songs message of resilience and strength in the face of adversity breeds encouragement to find the courage to carry on despite the overwhelming weight of grief. It serves as a reminder that it is okay to lean on others for support and to seek comfort in the presence of loved ones during times of deep sorrow.

Since this tragic event occurred, the outpouring of love, empathy, compassion, and support serves as a reminder the LOVE OF GOD and the strength found in unity. Every gesture whether it was a kind word, hug, text, phone call, prayer, or shared story, has been comforting for my sister and family. The communal outpouring underscores the importance of relationships and the enduring impact of kindness and compassion during times of sorrow despite the evil that still exists in this world. We continue to ask for prayers, love, and support in any form during this time as my sister, Myra, and Zion siblings, Zaire and Zariyah, and our family navigate through this loss. If you find it in your heart to give to assist with the financial obligations of this tragedy, we thank you!